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Captain Pike’s startled, wide-eyed face was the unlikely star of Hallmark’s 2024 sci-fi ornament preview. The collection also featured Star Wars and Star Trek designs, including Grand Admiral Thrawn, Darth Maul’s Sith speeder, and a scene pairing Data with Spock. The ornaments were presented as 2024 releases—not new announcements for 2026.
Why Captain Pike’s ornament got the attention
In its April 12, 2024 preview, Gizmodo’s James Whitbrook focused on Hallmark’s Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Captain Pike ornament with sound. The joke was its wide-eyed expression: Whitbrook described the figure as “a little plastic man that is shocked to be hanging off of a festive tree.” That is the writer’s playful description, not a quote from Hallmark or the ornament’s designer.
The piece was a brief preview and slideshow, not a product review or a comparison of ornaments. It highlighted a memorable facial expression rather than assessing build quality, sound, or value. Read the April 12, 2024 Gizmodo preview.
Other sci-fi designs in the 2024 preview
Alongside Pike, Whitbrook singled out several licensed designs from major science-fiction franchises:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Star Wars: Grand Admiral Thrawn and Darth Maul’s Sith speeder.
- Star Trek: A Star Trek: The Next Generation ornament depicting Data meeting Spock in “Unification II.”
The preview also noted ornaments tied to The Lord of the Rings, Dune, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Stranger Things. It did not provide a complete catalog of every design.
What “new” means—and when the ornaments were expected
“New” referred to Hallmark’s 2024 Keepsake collection. The Gizmodo article said the ornaments would begin becoming available in October 2024. That was a schedule for the collection at the time, not evidence that these designs remain in stock or are currently available.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Hallmark’s current catalog describes the 2026 Keepsake collection and says the company introduces more than 400 new Keepsake Ornaments each year. That annual figure covers the broader collection, not the number of science-fiction ornaments. See Hallmark’s current Keepsake Ornaments catalog.
Hallmark’s 2026 Keepsake release calendar
For readers following current releases, Hallmark’s 2026 announcements describe two events. Their counts cover all new Keepsake Ornaments announced at those events, not a sci-fi subset:
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Event | Hallmark’s stated count | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| July Ornament Premiere | Over 250 new ornaments | 2026; event announcement |
| October Ornament Debut | More than 150 additional ornaments | October 10–18, 2026 |
Hallmark announced the event counts and October dates in 2026. See Hallmark Corporate’s 2026 ornament-event announcements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Checking on a specific 2024 ornament
The named Captain Pike design is the Hallmark Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Captain Pike ornament with sound. The original preview establishes its identity and sound feature, but it does not establish a current price, present-day stock, or a current place to buy it. Check Hallmark’s live catalog or contact a Gold Crown store for current listings; a 2024 availability note alone cannot confirm that an older design is still for sale.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
